Pressure Washing at Home

A consumer pressure washer can shoot water at 1,500 to 3,000 pounds per square inch, enough to cut skin, strip paint and break windows. Many people are surprised how fast an injury happens. A small puncture can inject water and bacteria deep into the hand with serious results, so treat the wand like a power tool.

• Homeowners
• Property Maintenance
• Cleaning Contractors

Main hazards

• Injection injuries: the stream can penetrate skin, especially of the hands and feet, and force water and contaminants under it. The wound can look small but lead to infection and amputation. Seek emergency care if skin is pierced. See Puncture Wounds.
• Cuts and bruises from the spray at close range, and flying debris such as gravel, paint chips and nails.
• Kickback: pulling the trigger can jerk the wand and throw you off balance, especially on a ladder.
• Electric shock: water, cords, outlets and power equipment. Spraying near electrical panels, meters, lights and overhead service wires is dangerous. See Home Electrical Safety.
• Falls: wet, slippery ground, steps and ladders. See Home Ladder Safety.
• Chemicals: detergents, bleach and cleaners. Don't mix them. See Household Chemicals.
• Old paint and siding: lead paint chips or asbestos-cement siding can be released as dust and runoff. See Lead & Asbestos in Older Homes.
• Noise and fumes: gas washers are loud and produce carbon monoxide, so never run them indoors, in garages or close to windows. See Carbon Monoxide.

Before you start

• Read the manual and know the controls, safety latch and shutoff. Check hoses, fittings and the wand for cracks and leaks, and don't use a damaged hose.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles, closed-toe non-slip boots, long pants and gloves, and hearing protection for gas units. Don't wear sandals or open shoes. See Eye & Face Protection.
• Clear people, pets, toys and loose objects from the area, and close windows and doors you don't want sprayed.
• Keep the washer on level ground, and use a GFCI-protected outlet for electric models with an outdoor-rated extension cord of the proper gauge. Keep plug connections out of puddles.
• Look up and around for power lines, outdoor outlets and light fixtures, and avoid spraying them.
• Test the spray on a small hidden area, starting with a wide-angle tip and low pressure.

Safe operation

• Never point the wand at yourself, others or pets, and never test the pressure with your hand or foot. Don't use your finger to check for clogs.
• Keep the nozzle at least a foot or more away from the surface at first, and hold the wand with both hands in a stable stance.
• Use the safety latch when you stop, even briefly, and shut off the machine and release pressure before changing tips or fixing leaks.
• Don't spray at an angle upward under siding, lap joints or window frames, which can force water into walls.
• Avoid using a ladder. Use an extension wand or a lance, work from the ground and reposition rather than overreaching. Never stand on a ladder with a loaded pressure washer.
• Use the lowest pressure that works, and different tips for different materials: wood, vinyl, brick, concrete and glass.
• Run gas washers outdoors only, with fuel handled outside and engine cooled before refueling.
• Don't leave the machine unattended while on, and keep kids away.

Chemicals and runoff

• Use products meant for pressure washers, follow dilution instructions, and don't mix bleach with ammonia or acids.
• Rinse plants, and keep runoff from storm drains where possible; some areas ban washing with detergents into drains.
• If you think paint has lead or siding may have asbestos, don't pressure wash; test first and use a lead-safe professional. See Painting at Home.

If you're injured

• Even a small puncture from the stream needs immediate medical care. Say it was a high-pressure injection injury; don't wait for pain or swelling. See Home First Aid.
• For cuts, control bleeding and get medical help for deep wounds. For eye injuries, rinse and seek care. See Eye Injuries.
• For electric shock, turn off power if safe and call 911. See Electric Shock Response.

Pressure washing checklist

• I read the manual and checked hoses, wand and fittings
• I wear eye protection, sturdy closed shoes and gloves
• The electric unit is on a GFCI outlet; the gas unit stays outdoors
• I never aim the wand at people or my own hand or foot
• I got medical care right away for any skin puncture

Last updated: October 5, 2026